If you’ve been searching for a comforting, hearty dish that’s effortless to prepare yet impressively flavorful, look no further than this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe. Tender chunks of braising beef simmer slowly in a rich, creamy sauce infused with savory mushrooms, tangy mustard, and just the right touch of Worcestershire sauce. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or for cozy weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without the fuss. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors deepen beautifully while you carry on with your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients neatly arranged on a wooden surface with a strip of wood in the middle, all labeled with white text. In the center bottom, there is a white bowl filled with red, chopped beef. To the right, a white bowl is filled with different types of whole and sliced mushrooms in light and dark brown shades. Above the mushrooms, there is a small white bowl with white cornflour and a bit further, a small clear jar with cream. To the top right, a white jug holds a dark, almost black liquid labeled stock. Next to it is a glass bottle with yellow oil. To the left, a small black bowl contains pepper, and another black bowl contains salt. A small bunch of green parsley sits on the left on the wooden surface. To the left, near the parsley, there is a whole brown onion and a few pink garlic cloves. A mustard jar with a tan label is placed above the beef, and a small glass container with dark Worcestershire sauce is just to the right of the mustard jar. A plastic carton of sour cream with red and white packaging sits near the center. The background is a wood table with a strip of lighter wood crossing the middle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe depends on simple but carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a role in creating its classic, mouthwatering taste and comforting texture. From the rich beef stock that forms the sauce’s base to the creamy blend of double cream and sour cream that adds lusciousness at the end, every element counts.

Sunflower oil: Ideal for searing beef quickly and evenly, locking in flavors before slow cooking.
Braising beef or casserole beef (1.5 kg/3.3 lbs): The star ingredient that becomes beautifully tender in slow cooking.
Plain (all-purpose) flour (4 tbsp): Coats the beef to give the sauce body and helps with thickening.
Salt (1 tsp) and freshly ground black pepper (1 tsp): Essential seasonings that enhance the meat’s natural flavor.
Large onion (1), chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the cooking process.
Garlic cloves (4), minced: Provides warmth and aromatic complexity without overpowering the dish.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Gives a subtle tangy, umami lift that complements the beef perfectly.
Dijon mustard (2 tbsp): Adds mild sharpness and complexity to the sauce.
Beef stock (600 ml/2 ½ cups): The flavorful liquid base that simmers everything tender and juicy.
Chestnut mushrooms (300 g/10.5 oz), thickly sliced: Earthy and meaty mushrooms that enrich the sauce’s texture and taste.
Cornflour slurry (1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 3 tbsp cold water, optional): An easy thickener if you prefer a slightly thicker sauce.
Double (heavy) cream (120 ml/½ cup) and sour cream (240 ml/1 cup): The creamy duo that makes the stroganoff decadently smooth and velvety.
Fresh parsley and extra black pepper, to serve: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef

Start by tossing the cubed beef with flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This coating will help thicken the sauce later and ensures a lovely crust when browned. Heat sunflower oil in a frying pan or your slow cooker’s searing function and brown the beef in batches for about 6 to 8 minutes per batch. Browning locks in flavor and adds rich color that will elevate your stroganoff.

Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic

After the beef is browned and transferred to the slow cooker, lower the heat and sauté the chopped onion in the same pan until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This gentle cooking releases their sweetness and develops the dish’s aromatic foundation without burning.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Next, stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beef stock, and the sliced mushrooms, scraping the pan bottom to lift any tasty browned bits. Bringing this mixture to a boil helps meld all the flavors together before pouring everything into the slow cooker. The mushrooms add earthiness and body, making each bite satisfying.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker on high for 5 to 6 hours or low for 7 to 8 hours until the beef is meltingly tender. This long, slow cooking is key to breaking down the tougher braising beef into silky, fork-tender pieces that soak up all that luscious sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Thicken if Needed

If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornflour slurry now and let it cook for a few minutes. Finally, mix together the double cream and sour cream, gently folding them into the stew. This creamy addition elevates the dish to rich, velvety perfection—just be careful not to break up the beef. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and black pepper on top will give the perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe

A black cooking pan filled with a creamy light brown sauce that covers several small pieces of cooked meat and sliced mushrooms. The sauce is smooth with black pepper sprinkled on top and small green parsley leaves scattered evenly across the surface. The pan is placed on a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is the classic garnish, adding a pop of green color and a light, herbaceous note that complements the richness beautifully. A crack of freshly ground black pepper on top adds a little extra warmth and texture—simple yet effective.

Side Dishes

Serve this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe over buttery egg noodles for a traditional experience. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta also work wonderfully to soak up that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted broccoli provide a fresh, crunchy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your stroganoff inside hollowed-out baked potatoes or atop a bed of cauliflower rice to keep things low carb. You can also spoon it over toasted crusty bread for an indulgent open-faced sandwich. No matter how you present it, this dish always delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as good, if not better, than the original serving.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this comforting dish later, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion the stroganoff into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef stock, milk, or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving on medium power in short bursts with stirring also works well for quick reheats without drying out the beef.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beef instead of braising beef?

Absolutely! While braising beef or casserole cuts are ideal for slow cooking because they become tender and flavorful, you can use chuck steak or brisket as well. Just avoid lean cuts that can dry out over long cooking times.

Do I have to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the beef first is highly recommended because it caramelizes the meat’s surface, adding depth of flavor and a nicer color to the finished dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip it but know the flavor may be less rich.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can work as alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different. Just add them at the end of cooking to avoid curdling.

Can I prepare this dish in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make beef stroganoff on the stovetop or in a Dutch oven by simmering the beef gently for 2 to 3 hours until tender. But the slow cooker lets you set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy days.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch when coating the beef and making the slurry. Just make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about coming home to the irresistible aroma of a Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe simmering away, ready to serve. This dish combines ease, comfort, and rich flavors in one satisfying package, making it a staple you’ll want in your recipe rotation. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite slow cooker dinner to share with family and friends.